Waterford, CT – November 09, 2022 – Charter Oak Federal Credit Union’s 2022 Matching Gifts Program has donated a combined $400,000 from the credit union and its members to more than 280 charitable organizations this holiday season, from local food pantries and food centers to programs providing housing and educational assistance.
Since Charter Oak created its innovative Matching Gifts Program in 2016, the combined giving of the credit union and its generous members has totaled nearly $2 million.
Based on the large volume of member donations during 2022, Charter Oak’s Matching Gifts pledge of “Which comes first? $200k or 100 days” was met in 70 days, shattering last year’s record of 84 days.
“This year we started the program with $200,000 doubling the previous years’ starting match of $100,000 and our members rose to the challenge. We met our match in a record 70 days. Our members and Charter Oak were able to provide over 600 donations to non-profit organizations across eastern Connecticut,” said Brian A. Orenstein, Charter Oak’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our members’ generosity is truly amazing, and once again they’ve shown how much they care about helping our community,” said Orenstein.
Among the many local organizations to directly benefit from Charter Oak’s Matching Gifts Program during 2022 are Wheeler Library, Friends of Chikumbuso, Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, and Care and Share of East Lyme.
Charter Oak’s Matching Gifts Program, which starts in August each year, matches all qualified donations made by its members to 501(c)(3) charities. During 2022, Charter Oak’s Matching Gifts Program matched over 800 donations from its members that will aid 281 charities and non-profit organizations.

Charter Oak is eastern Connecticut’s largest credit union with assets of $1.54 billion as of September 30, 2022. For more information about Charter Oak’s broad range of products and services, please visit any of our convenient branches, call our Contact Center at 860.446.8085 or visit CharterOak.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is like a bank, just better! We've been proudly serving eastern Connecticut since 1939 and we offer great checking, deposit, lending, insurance and investment products. And because we're a credit union, we're owned by our members, not by shareholders. So we can offer lower rates on loans and higher rates on deposits. It's easy to become a Charter Oak member: simply live, work, worship, learn, or volunteer in New London or Windham counties. So join today and see why Members Bank Better at Charter Oak!